A lawyer may withdraw from representing a client so long as it can be accomplished without material adverse effect on the client's interests. Specific grounds that may require termination of the relationship by the attorney include, but are not limited to:
" a client's persistent criminal and fraudulent activity;
" the use of the lawyer's services to perpetuate a crime or fraud;
" a client's actions that the attorney considers repugnant or imprudent;
" a client's failure to fulfill a substantial financial or other obligation that the attorney has previously warned the client could lead to attorney withdrawal; or
" an irreparable breakdown of the attorney-client relationship due to the client's difficult behavior.
Of course, if the matter handled by the attorney is in litigation, the attorney must seek the entry of an order permitting his withdrawal or substitution of other counsel.
An attorney has an obligation when he terminates the relationship to allow
reasonable time to secure other counsel, to return all of the client's papers and
property, and to refund all fees and costs not earned by the attorney.
Detailed Description of Pennsylvania Notice from Attorney Terminating Attorney-Client Relationship When an attorney in Pennsylvania needs to terminate the attorney-client relationship, a formal notice is required to inform their client about the decision. This notice serves as a professional and legal way to end the attorney-client relationship and should follow specific guidelines to ensure its effectiveness. The Pennsylvania Notice from Attorney Terminating Attorney-Client Relationship is a crucial document outlining the attorney's intention to terminate the relationship and the reasons behind this decision. By providing clear and concise information, both the attorney and the client can better understand the circumstances leading to the termination. The content of the notice may include the following relevant details and keywords: 1. Identifying Information: The notice should begin by stating the names and contact information of both the attorney and the client. This information ensures that the notice is properly directed to the intended recipient. 2. Effective Date: It is important to include the effective date of the termination to establish a clear timeline for the client's transition to a new attorney or finding alternative legal representation. 3. Reason for Termination: The notice must provide an explanation for the attorney's decision to terminate the attorney-client relationship. This section can include keywords such as "ineffective communication," "payment issues," "conflicts of interest," or "client's refusal to follow legal advice." Providing specific reasons helps the client understand the cause for the termination. 4. Legal Consequences: It is crucial to inform the client about the legal consequences of the termination, such as the client's responsibility to find new representation, upcoming court dates, and any pending deadlines for legal actions. 5. Referral Information: If the attorney can recommend another qualified attorney, providing referral information can be beneficial to the client. This may include keywords such as "reputable attorney," "expertise in the relevant legal field," or "excellent track record." 6. Retention of Client's File: The notice should mention how the attorney plans to handle the client's file after the termination. This may include information on retrieving the file, transferring it to a new attorney, or any applicable fees associated with its release. Different Types of Pennsylvania Notice from Attorney Terminating Attorney-Client Relationship: 1. General Termination Notice: This notice is used to terminate the attorney-client relationship for various reasons, including poor communication, lack of payment, or a breakdown in trust. 2. Conflict of Interest Notice: When an attorney discovers a conflict of interest that prevents them from continuing representation, they must provide a specific notice informing the client about the conflict and terminating the relationship. 3. Referral Notice: In some cases, an attorney may voluntarily terminate the attorney-client relationship due to a lack of expertise in handling a specific legal matter. This notice includes recommendations for alternative legal representation. By ensuring that a Pennsylvania Notice from Attorney Terminating Attorney-Client Relationship contains the necessary information and uses relevant keywords, attorneys can effectively communicate their intentions to their clients while complying with legal and ethical obligations.
